MACC probe on woman distributing cash at Camerons

IPOH: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating the case of a woman who was seen distributing cash while clad in a Pakatan Harapan T-shirt, says Perak MACC director Datuk Zainul Darus.

He said MACC interviewed at least seven witnesses, including the woman, to help with the investigation after the photos went viral.

“MACC urges the public to not make any speculation regarding the matter as it is still being investigated.

“We have received at least five reports related to the Cameron Highlands by-election,” he explained during a press conference at the state MACC office yesterday.

On Jan 13, MIC Youth Secretary Arvind Krishnan’s tweet went viral when he uploaded a series of photos showing the woman distributing cash in Cameron Highlands.

Pakatan has denied the allegation of bribery and has clarified that the woman was actually giving petrol reimbursement to its volunteers who came to Tanah Rata during nomination day.

Zainul added that the state MACC had sent a full report regarding attempts to topple Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu to its headquarters in Putrajaya early this month.

“We have taken statements from 10 individuals to help in the investigation. Putrajaya will check if there is a need for additional information before handing it over to the deputy public prosecutor’s office.

“The deputy public prosecutor will determine if the matter will be further investigated,” he said.

He also revealed that MACC has remanded four individuals including three civil servants who reportedly used their positions to receive bribes from a contractor in 2018.

MACC also remanded two Felda officers for five days yesterday for allegedly submitting false claims in connection with the construction of a retaining wall for a settler’s house at Felda Trolak Selatan in Sungkai.

A contractor and an executive of a property management firm had earlier been remanded on Tuesday over the same case.